Area Development News Desk

01/08/2014

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Popcorn Sutton Distilling, a Nashville-based distillery, will open a 46,000 square foot craft distillery in Newport, Tennessee, with plans to create 36 new jobs during the next five years in Cocke County.

Tennessee whiskey legend, the late Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton was a third-generation Moonshiner who lived and distilled his famous white whiskey in Cocke County. The distilling company that bears his name, which was founded by his friend and apprentice Jamey Grosser, is completing construction on a craft distillery in Newport. When it begins operations in early 2014, the distillery will bring production of Popcorn Sutton’s prized white whiskey back where it began, local officials said.

"When Popcorn and I talked about forming the company, it was always our vision to come back to Cocke County," Popcorn Sutton Distilling Founder Jamey Grosser said.

“Every step in the production process, from mashing to distilling to bottling, will take place right here in Popcorn’s backyard,” Popcorn Sutton Distilling CEO Megan Kvamme said. “This is where Popcorn made his famous moonshine and evaded the law for decades. It’s only fitting that we bring his craft enterprise back home, this time with a legal license and the support of Cocke County.”

"The opening of the distillery in Cocke County has been a personal dream of mine; I’m thrilled that I have helped make Popcorn's final wishes come true,” Pam Sutton, widow of Popcorn Sutton, said. “Our county needs more revenue and more jobs, and I’m proud that the company he helped create will be part of that. If he could see the distillery, Popcorn would be like a kid in a candy store. He would be very anxious to get the pots cooking.”

“Whether it’s whiskey, cars or guitars, Tennessee’s brand and reputation for high quality craftsmanship is world-renowned,” Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC’s decision to invest and expand here in Tennessee speaks volumes about our state’s business climate, which is second to none.”

“We are very pleased that Jamey Grosser and the management of Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC made the decision to bring the operation to Newport/Cocke County,” Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst said. “We appreciate the confidence shown in our business climate and in our workforce. This is a very unique opportunity for a company to have an impact locally in manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture all at the same time.”